Music Theory: How to Use 'First Steps in Music Theory' & 'AB Guide Book One'

Hi everyone,

In todays post I will be talking about 'First Steps in Music Theory' and the 'AB Guide Book One'. Both of these books are written by Eric Taylor.

First Steps in Music Theory

This was the first book in music theory that I was introduced to when I first started learning the violin over ten years ago. 'First Steps in Music Theory' is great way to give you a basic understanding of music theory; especially if your starting out learning a musical instrument.

AB Guide Book One

This is similar to 'First Steps in Music Theory' and the only difference is that it goes into detail and it also covers a lot music theory than 'First Steps in Music Theory'.

Method

When your first starting out learning and gaining an understanding of music theory start off by reading 'First Steps in Music Theory', as its written in an a 'bite size' format to make it easier for you to understand. It's also broken down by grade.

  When you are ready to expand on your music theory knowledge; this is when you introduce the 'AB Guide Book One', as this builds on the knowledge that you have already gained from 'First Steps in Music Theory'.

The way this method works is that within 'First Steps in Music Theory' you will see Foot Notes throughout the book, and these foot notes will prompt you to go and read the 'AB Guide Book One' for further reading and to give you a more in depth understanding of music theory.

I can also understand why its split across two books, as the 'AB Guide Book One' can be overwhelming for someone whose just starting out learning music theory. So, to make it make manageable and easier to understand in the earlier stages of developing your understanding of music theory.

Please note that you don't have to buy both books at the same time. You can just buy 'First Steps in Music Theory' first and see how you get along with it, and then whenever your ready you can buy 'AB Guide Book One'.

Music Theory: Music Theory for Young Musicians

Hi everyone,

In todays post I'm going to talk about a series of music theory workbooks called 'Music Theory for Young Musicians', and these are for the music theory grades 1 - 5.

The 'Music Theory for Young Musicians' workbooks are designed with younger music learners in mind. These workbooks are very colourful throughout each of the workbooks which are suitable for Grades 1 - 5, and they are in association with the ABRSM Music Theory exams.

Each workbook is in a large format to make it easier to read, and to understand what the task is that the learner is working on. The staves are also in a large format to make it easier for the young learner to understand. There's also a section of revision notes at the back, along with specimen music theory relevant to grade the student is working on.

Due to these books being printed in a larger format for younger children; these books may also be useful for someone who struggles to read in a smaller font, or for someone who is a visual learner due to the use of colour throughout this series of workbooks. These workbooks are mainly aimed at children, but I can't see why these workbooks can't be adapted for who struggles, or for someone who may have a learning disability, and also for adults who like colourful and simplified formats just to make things a little easier for them to grasp and understand what it is that they are learning.

I love the 'Music Theory for Young Musicians' workbooks, as they can be used for loads of different learning scenarios to get the best from your music students. I love the fact that they are colourful throughout this series, and have different characters to make it more enjoyable for children. Because it features a few characters throughout this series it should inspire young children to focus on developing their music theory knowledge, while making it fun and enjoyable at the same time.  

Music Theory: Discovering Music Theory (ABRSM)

Hi everyone,

In todays post I'm going to talk about the 'Discovering Music Theory' music theory workbooks from ABRSM. These workbooks are for the music theory grades 1 - 5.

The 'Discovering Music Theory' workbook replaces the 'Music Theory in Practice' workbook series.

The 'Discovering Music Theory' workbook series are for the music theory Grades 1 - 5, and compared to the 'Music Theory in Practice' these are so much better as they have a clearer layout. I also like the fact they are a lot more colourful.

Within each 'Discovering Music Theory' workbook there's a series of exercises, and each of these exercises focuses on one or two elements of music theory for that relevant grade. There's also diagrams, and also hints and tips on how to help to understand that area of music theory that you are working towards.

The 'Discovering Music Theory' workbooks feature :-

- Straightforward explanations of all new concepts

- Progressive exercises to help you to build up your skills and understanding on a step by step basis

- 'Challenge' questions to help you to extend on your learning, and to develop your music-writing skills

- Helpful tips on how to approach certain exercises

- Ideas on linking theory to music listening, performing and instrumental/ singing lessons

- Clear signposting and progress reviews throughout 

- A sample practice exam paper showing you what to expect in the new style of exam from 2020

The 'Discovering Music Theory' provides an excellent resource for anyone who wishes to develop their skills in music literacy, GCSE/ AS/ A Level Music students, and also adult learners.

Music Theory: Books for Studying Music Theory (Grades 1 - 8)

Hi everyone,

In todays post I'm going to talk about the books you need to study and help you to work towards your Music Theory Exams.

For Grades 1 - 5

First Steps in Music Theory (ABRSM)

This is a lovely little book to enable you start gaining some basic music theory knowledge, but without it being too overwhelming. Each grade has sections clearly laid out at the beginning of each chapter. If your unsure on where to start with music theory reading material I would highly recommend starting with this book, as its really approachable and makes it easy for the reading to gain a basic understanding of music theory.

AB Guide Book 1 (ABRSM)

This works in a similar way to 'First Steps in Music Theory', but it goes into a lot more detail. It also works alongside the 'First Steps in Music Theory', as there's footnotes referencing the 'First Steps in Music Theory' throughout the 'AB Guide Book 1'. This is ideal if you want to expand on your music theory knowledge whilst still using your 'First Steps in Music Theory' book.

Take Five & Pass First Time by Christopher Dunn

This is an excellent Grade 5 music theory book by Christopher Dunn, and its laid out in an easy and accessible way. It's also laid out in a way to make it easy to understand. It gives you hints and tips on how best to pass your Grade 5 Music Theory exam, and there's quite a few formulas to help you to get the best possible mark.

For Grades 6 - 8

AB Guide Book 2 (ABRSM)

This follows on from the AB Guide Book 1, but it's for the more advanced music theory grades. The AB Guide Book 2 goes into detail to give you an understanding and knowledge of what is needed for the Grades 6 - 8 music theory exams, and each section is broken down into manageable chunks to make it somewhat approachable for the reader.